American Airlines expands in Philadelphia with new Trenton route ... by bus
American Airlines travelers will have a new option in the Garden State come September when the airline adds Trenton, New Jersey, to its map.
The Oneworld alliance carrier's partner Landline begins thrice-daily "flights" operated by buses between Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN) on Sept. 22, an American spokesperson confirmed.
The buses will arrive and depart both Philadelphia and Trenton "airside," or inside security. In other words, travelers departing Trenton will be screened by the Transportation Security Administration there and not in Philadelphia after their bus arrives. That facilitates flight connections for travelers. Checked luggage is transferred automatically as well.
First look: American's new Flagship Lounge and Admirals Club in Philly shine in big debut
Members of American Airlines AAdvantage, as well as the loyalty programs of partner airlines, can earn and redeem points on the Landline-operated services.
"By this fall, Landline will feed over 1,500 daily seats into American's Philadelphia hub from five Northeast cities, unlocking seamless global connectivity for hundreds of thousands of travelers each year," Nick Johnson, vice president and head of revenue at Landline, said on LinkedIn on Monday.
With the launch of this service to Trenton, Landline will now serve the following airports from PHL on behalf of American:
- Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) in New Jersey
- Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) in Pennsylvania
- Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN) in New Jersey
- Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport (AVP) in Pennsylvania
- Wilmington Airport (ILG) in Delaware
Landline launched in 2019 with the idea that buses could operate "flights" cheaper than planes but with all the same amenities for destinations within easy driving distance of major hub airports. While not a new concept, the company focused on partnering with airlines and offering white-label services for them rather than under its own name.
Sun Country Airlines at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) was the company's first partner, followed by United Airlines at Denver International Airport (DEN) in 2021. American joined the roster in 2022 and Air Canada in 2024.
Related: Finally, like a flight: American improves Landline bus connections via Philadelphia
Tickets for American's new Landline service to Trenton are available on the airline's website. AAdvantage redemptions are available for as little as 6,000 miles one-way Sept. 23, though most customers would likely want to include the Trenton-Philadelphia leg as part of a connecting itinerary to far-flung destinations.
The new Philadelphia-Trenton "flights" will take just 50 minutes, according to American's website. Buses depart Philadelphia at 8:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6:40 p.m., while those leaving from Trenton depart at 6:45 a.m., noon and 4:30 p.m.
Related reading:
- Best credit cards for airport lounge access
- American Airlines Admirals Club access: How you can get into the airport lounge
- The do's and don'ts of visiting an airport lounge
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- 9 domestic lounges that are worth going out of your way for
- Best credit cards for American Airlines flyers
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees